Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has made another scathing attack at current Pakistan captain Babar Azam, stating that it is time for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to look at a new captain. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Afridi stated that enough time has been given to Babar as captain, and that now a new captain should be appointed and backed. Afridi stated that Babar has already received a lot more backing than any captain during his own era, but with little success to show for it.

“As far as Babar is concerned, no captain has received such a prolonged opportunity. I’ve captained Pakistan, as has Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, none of us got such a long chance to captain. As soon as a World Cup would get over, we would be removed from captaincy,” said Afridi.

Recent reports surrounding Pakistan cricket has stated that PCB chairman is unlikely to introduce the ‘major surgery’ that he had earlier promised in order to avoid conflicts with senior players.

Babar has received significant criticism from several former cricketers, experts and fans after Pakistan exited the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage. Now, Afridi has pointed out that a new captain should be elected and stuck with.

Shahid Afridi : “Jitne chances @babarazam258 ko as a captain milay hain, aur kisi ko nahi mile Aur Selection Committee 6/7 Logon Ki Thi, @WahabViki Aur @ARazzaqPak Ki He Surgery Kun Huwi” pic.twitter.com/JSY29zykiB

— Thakur (@hassam_sajjad) July 9, 2024

“Babar Azam has gotten plenty of opportunities: two or three World Cups, two or three Asia Cups. In my opinion, whoever you bring in now should be fully backed,” said Afridi.

“I believe that any decision that is taken should be given a lot of time, be it the captain, coach or system,” said Afridi.

Babar Azam had resigned from captaincy after Pakistan failed to make the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, new white-ball captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was given only a few months, after which Babar was reinstated by the PCB.

Shaheen Afridi also happens to be Shahid Afridi’s son-in-law, having married his daughter Ansha in 2023.

Shahid Afridi also expressed confusion at the PCB’s decision to sack only Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee, when the entire committee consists of seven members.

The India vs Pakistan rivalry sometimes spills off the field as well. Apart from the on-field intensity, the poking and mischiefs continue off the field too. Who can forget the exchanges between Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar, or for that matter Harbhajan Singh. Now, during the IPL, another Pakistn great Shahid Afridi was at the aim of a former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, While doing commentary during the IPL 2024, Rain was asked if he would come back from his retirement. 

“Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi,” Raina, who last played for India in 2018, said in the reply as the fellow commentators burst out laughing. He retired in 2020. 

Shahid Afridi after announcing retirement from the Pakistan team, made a U-turn and it made a lot of noise. 

Shahid Afridi be like pta nhi aise dangerous situation mein khud hi kyun aage aa jata hun . Suresh Raina owned Pakistani #iplcricket pic.twitter.com/YUbAOjAIfW

— (@abhi7781_) May 21, 2024

Meanwhile, with the T20 World Cup on the brink of commencement, Pakistan are eying to secure the services of West Indies icon Viv Richards as team mentor for the marquee event. The World Cup is ten days away from beginning in the USA and the West Indies. The event will be historic as 20 teams will participate in the tournament for the first time since its inception. Ahead of the tournament, Pakistan are looking to rope in Richards as the team mentor according to Geo News sources.

According to the sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is holding a conversation with the former West Indies batting maestro.

The former West Indies star boasts vast experience as well as the knowledge of playing the Caribbean.

It is also believed that PCB’s decision to bring in Richards is inspired by the 72-year-old’s impact in the Pakistan Super League. Richards serves as a mentor for the PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators.

However, PCB face a major challenge in bringing in Richards due to his existing media commitments for the event.

Pakistan have completely revamped their white-ball set-up since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez earlier this year.

Last month, former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten was announced as the head coach for the limited overs cricket.

It was under his reign, that Pakistan’s arch-rival India lifted the 2011 World Cup trophy on their home soil and ended their 28 years of wait. India also became the number-one team in the ICC Test rankings during his stint.

Kirsten recently arrived in Leeds and linked up with the ‘Men in Green’ ahead of their four-match T20I series against England.

The 56-year-old will look to inspire the Pakistan team to the World Cup glory. Their upcoming four-match series against England will help them prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

With ANI inputs